Tag Archives: medical marijuana

After Governor Andrew Cuomo called for a program that would research the feasibility of medical marijuana in the state last month, a new poll shows New York voters strongly support the plan.

The results of a Quinnipiac University survey, released Monday, found that 88 percent of state voters back the legalization of medical marijuana.

In his January State of the State address, Cuomo said he would launch a pilot medical marijuana research program that allows up to 20 hospitals to provide medical marijuana to patients being treated for serious illnesses.

A majority of voters, 57 percent, also support legalizing a small amount of pot for personal use, according to the poll.

Though medical marijuana use received overwhelming backing from every group polled, its recreational use created a divide among both gender and generation groups.

Sixty-three percent of men support legalizing the drug for recreational purposes, versus 51 percent of women. Eight-three percent of voters 18 to 29 years old back the legalization, with 57 percent of voters 65 and older opposing it.

Alan Richards, a professional audiologist, displays his artistic photo manipulations through May 4. Queens Botanical Garden admission is free until April 1, and the exhibit can be viewed Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 8 am to 4 pm. From April 1 through May 4, Tuesdays to Sundays, the exhibit can be seen from 8 am until 5:30pm. Click here for more info or to submit an event of your own

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I think it’s a great idea for those who need it for medical reasons because it’s supposed to help with pain and improve living. I believe this is a necessary step, as long as the use of medical marijuana is contained.Bridget Delaney

I could understand him legalizing it for medical purposes. It’s just a matter of control so that those who are using it for other reasons do not get their hands on it.Louisa Samolis

Personally, I think legalizing it is a good idea, people are already using it anyway so making it legal is something that needed to be done, since other states in the country have also legalized it.Demos Samolis

It’s about time, and I believe he hasn’t done enough with it yet.Walter Klimetz

I believe that medical marijuana is a good drug for people who need it, and thanks to Governor Cuomo these people are now able to get it.Michele Dregei

I think medical marijuana is beneficial for patients in need of it and it’s about time Governor Cuomo did something about it.Mary Jacobini

Legalizing medical marijuana is good and bad: it’s good for those who need it, but bad if it’s introduced to the wrong person who can’t handle it and takes it in the wrong context. So, this has to be handled very carefully.Grace Thomas

If it’s something that a doctor is prescribing to the patient because it’s going to help them feel better, then yes, I believe this is beneficial. But, if a person is using the excuse that it is for medical reasons and using it for recreational purposes, then I think it can be a bad thing.Audrey Anderson

Cuomo mentioned he would launch a state medical marijuana program to help patients, and since then various organizations and supporters of cannabis have applauded the decision, but are calling for more information.

However, not much information has been released about the program, leading people to question which patients will qualify to get access to the cannabis, which hospitals will participate, and even how the state plans to collect and dispense marijuana.

“We are afraid his whole plan is unworkable and leaves everybody in the dust. What is the point of a plan that doesn’t work,” Smit asked.

The program’s “findings will be used to inform future policy,” according to the governor’s office.

“We have to make New York healthier. Research suggests that medical marijuana can help manage the pain and treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses,” Cuomo said. “We will monitor the program to evaluate the effectiveness and the feasibility of a medical marijuana system.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the go-ahead for legalizing medical marijuana, while promoting tax relief measures and touting New York’s economic successes, in his last State of the State address before running for re-election.

“In three years, [we] have reversed decades of decline,” the governor said, referring to the state’s transformation from a $10 billion deficit to the $2 billion surplus during that period.

By spending less, the state can now tax less, Cuomo said, and will do so through a $2 billion package of tax relief proposals.

A renter’s tax credit would offer a refundable personal income tax credit to those who make under $100,000.
Cuomo proposed a reform to the estate tax, which, like the federal government would exempt the first $5.25 million of a person’s estate, instead of estates valued below $1 million, as the state does now.

Additional measures would provide relief on property and business taxes, and help simplify the tax code.

As anticipated, Cuomo called for a program that would research the feasibility of medical marijuana in New York.

The Anthony Cekay Organ Trio, Sam Minae, Matthew Snow Band will all perform at LIC Bar, located at 45-58 Vernon Boulevard, starting at 7:30 p.m.

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New York set to allow limited use of medical marijuana

New York would become the 21st state to allow medical use of marijuana under an initiative Gov. Andrew Cuomo will unveil this week. Read more: NBC New York

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